A map overlay produced using LIDAR data of the Hokitika coastal hazard zone which has already been included in the proposed Te Tai o Poutini Plan. New LIDAR data has now been received for other coastal West Coast areas which will need to be incorporated in the new combined districts plan for the region. Photo: West Coast Regional Council/Te Tai o Poutini Plan
A plan change is already being signalled for the proposed Te Tai o Poutini Plan.
New LIDAR data - a land equivalent of radar - has been received for coastal natural hazard areas to fill in more detail that was not known before the draft plan was publicly released in July 2022.
Prior to formal notification of the proposed West Coast combined plan last July, the plan committee had already agreed not to release a proposed hazard area for Westport for public consultation pending further LIDAR work and uncertainty around proposed floodwalls for Westport, which are still subject to Government approval.
Principal planner Lois Easton told the plan committee last week the new data covered parts of the region for which they previously had no LIDAR data.
It was needed in order to progress natural hazard mapping for the TTPP.
Ms Easton said a full report outlining the updated information was expected to be tabled at the April meeting.
The new data, commissioned by the West Coast Regional Council, was currently being analysed.
"At this stage I will be asking you to do a plan change," Easton said.
They already had data for the three main towns of Greymouth, Westport, and Hokitika.
However, the new information detailed many of the other coastal settlement areas including the likes of Haast, Karamea, Punakaiki and the Rapahoe coast.
"It does show some significant changes and we will bring this back to you and get a steer," Easton said.
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